Man charged in 9 car break-ins in Worcester

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WORCESTER 
A Worcester man was charged with breaking into nine cars today after police found him hiding under a bridge in Elm Park.

Police said in a news release tonight that a caller reported his girlfriend's car had been broken into at 3:02 a.m. today near 228 Park Ave. and said the thief was walking on Park Avenue beside Elm Park.

Police said they found a man, later identified as Brian Paulsen, 50, of 701 Main St., hiding under a bridge in the park, and he had a knife and a window punch. Police said he also had several GPS units, an iPod, car chargers for electronic devices and “a multitude” of coins.

Police said the caller and another man who was a victim of a car break-in had followed the man as he walked toward the park, until the man turned and pointed a knife at them.

Police found nine vehicles had been broken into on Park Avenue and Highland, Lee and Ormund streets.

Mr. Paulsen was charged with nine counts of breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property over the value of $250, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of burglary tools, carrying a dangerous weapon (knife) and breaking and entering into a building with intent to commit a felony. He is to be arraigned Monday in Central District Court.

Police said the building that was burglarized was an apartment on Roxbury Street.

Police said several stolen items were returned to the owners, and the rest are being held by police until claimed.